Tour Day 7 |
Florence |
Several days as we traveled around Italy by motor coach, we stopped for break or lunch at an auto grill - great for fresh food at reasonable pricing for either stand-up sandwiches or sit-down meals. Coffee at the counter is something you have to experience at least once.
Saturday was a motor coach travel day with auto-grill stop for health break on the way to Florence where Sauro drove us past his neighborhood and on into the city where he had to drop us about 3 blocks from our hotel due to driving regulations. The main lobby for Hotel Academia was up one flight of stairs and we were assigned to room #1 just off the main reception area and overlooking the street, but is was surprisingly quiet.
After a quick break Cinzia directed our RS tour group to the Mercado Centrale where upstairs we found many options for a fresh lunch. We then had time to roam the market and shop for souvenirs on the first floor and at the outside vendor stalls before we were off to pick up our pre-booked ticket to the Accademia. I think it took longer to find the ticket shop than it did to wait in the security line.
Saturday was a motor coach travel day with auto-grill stop for health break on the way to Florence where Sauro drove us past his neighborhood and on into the city where he had to drop us about 3 blocks from our hotel due to driving regulations. The main lobby for Hotel Academia was up one flight of stairs and we were assigned to room #1 just off the main reception area and overlooking the street, but is was surprisingly quiet.
After a quick break Cinzia directed our RS tour group to the Mercado Centrale where upstairs we found many options for a fresh lunch. We then had time to roam the market and shop for souvenirs on the first floor and at the outside vendor stalls before we were off to pick up our pre-booked ticket to the Accademia. I think it took longer to find the ticket shop than it did to wait in the security line.
Accademia Gallery |
Wow! What a beautiful sculpture! Michelangelo's masterpiece - David!
In the Hall of Prisoners leading up to the David sculpture are the unfinished prisoners attempting to break out of the stone.
The plaster cast of Giambologna's Rape of the Sabine Women is located in the Hall of Colossus and it is stunning.
Also housed at the Accademia is a private collection of musical instruments from the Medici family. The Stradivari viola crafted in 1690 is considered a masterpiece. A pianoforte created by Crisofori for the Medici family is viewable.
In the Hall of Prisoners leading up to the David sculpture are the unfinished prisoners attempting to break out of the stone.
The plaster cast of Giambologna's Rape of the Sabine Women is located in the Hall of Colossus and it is stunning.
Also housed at the Accademia is a private collection of musical instruments from the Medici family. The Stradivari viola crafted in 1690 is considered a masterpiece. A pianoforte created by Crisofori for the Medici family is viewable.
Duomo, Baptistery, and Museum |
We walked toward the Duomo and around it searching for the ticket office and purchased tickets that would provide entry into the Duomo, the Baptistry, and the Museum. While the exterior of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (the Duomo) is extensively decorated, then interior is very simply decorated, but the dome designed by Brunelleschi is amazing. It has been the model for numerous domes throughout the world and the original topping the Duomo can be seen from all over Florence. The Giotto's Bell Tower had too many steps for us to consider the trek up and down and too long a line, so it was appreciated from the exterior.
The Baptistry of San Giovanni is highly decorated both inside and out with the doors being most notable. Copies of the original bronze doors designed by Ghiberti flank the exterior of the Baptistry. The original doors are housed in the Museum of the Opera del Duomo with restoration completed in 2015 and are beautiful with all the gold gilding against the dark bronze. One of the masterpieces of the Museum is the Penitent Magdalena carved in wood by Donatello. The second pieta by Michelangelo Pieta Bandini is also in this museum and shows Jesus being supported by Nicodemus, Mary, and Mary Magdalene.
The Baptistry of San Giovanni is highly decorated both inside and out with the doors being most notable. Copies of the original bronze doors designed by Ghiberti flank the exterior of the Baptistry. The original doors are housed in the Museum of the Opera del Duomo with restoration completed in 2015 and are beautiful with all the gold gilding against the dark bronze. One of the masterpieces of the Museum is the Penitent Magdalena carved in wood by Donatello. The second pieta by Michelangelo Pieta Bandini is also in this museum and shows Jesus being supported by Nicodemus, Mary, and Mary Magdalene.
After a brief rest in the room to dodge the rain and offload some of our "stuff" we walked down the street only a block to a quaint restaurant for dinner where we had fried artichokes for an appetizer and noodles and wild boar (taste and texture like beef) for dinner. Our after dinner walk was several blocks toward the bus station where Bill found pastries, Denise took pictures of the sunset, and a stop at the gelato shop across the street from our hotel room for a treat.
Tour Day 8 |
On Sunday we set out to walk central Florence using the Rick Steves walking tour as our guide. We passed the Duomo on our way to Orsan Michele church, Republica Square, toward Palazzo Vecchio. At the Arno River we crossed over the medieval stone bridge Ponte Veccio but the view toward the much newer Ponte alle Grazie was the best as seen at the top of this page. The Duomo can be seen down most of the streets in Florence.
After a brief rest on the other side of the Ponte Vecchio complete with pastries and coffee and time to spare before our timed tickets to the Uffizi, we walked back to the Museo Galileo where Denise was enthralled with the scientific exhibits. We found a fast food shop for lunch with "fizzy water" and next time we'll ask for "still water".
Uffizi Gallery |
Even with timed entry there was a line and then up four flights of stairs to the second gallery level. The large crowds detracted from the viewing of the art and the Bottecelli works Spring and Birth of Venus were very difficult to see due to tour groups with long-winded guides. There was a great view from the dining patio and yes, the Dome is visible from all over Florence. Two of Denise's favorites included Perseus Freeing Andromeda by Piero di Cosimo in 1510 and Adoration of the child by Gherardo Delle Notti in 1619. Be selective with choosing your entry time and consider as early as you can when the Uffizi opens each day to reduce the people crowds.
Food in Florence |
The local food in Florence was somewhat heartier than what we had been eating with beef and wild boar on the menu most places.
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